246 BIRDS OF DAMABA LAND. 



found again, even with the assistance of dogs. They 

 feed on bulbs, grass, berries, and seeds ; and their flesh 

 is very good for the table. 



The iris is brown; the bill horn-colour, except near 

 the base, where it is yellowish. 



Dr. Smith's figure of the female of this species is 

 altogether too dull, as, though the tints in the female 

 are not so deep as in the male, they are still exceedingly 

 rich and bright. 



292. Scleroptera subtorquata (Smith). Coqui Franoolin. 



FrancoUmis subtoi-qtiattts, Smith's Zool. of S. Africa, pi. 15 (old 

 female). 

 „ „ Gurney, in Ibis, 1860, p. 215. 



„ ,, Gurney, Birds Damar., Proc. Zool. Soc. 



1864, p. 3. 

 ,, ,, Audersson, Birds Damar., Proc. Zool. 



Soc. 1864, p. 6. 

 „ „ Layard's Gat. No. 530. 



Scleroptera suhtorquata, Gray's Hand-list of Birds, No. 9658. 



I only met with this species in the neighbourhood of 

 the river Okavango, where it is found in coveys on grassy 

 plains interspersed with large trees and brushwood. 

 This Franoolin lies very close and is exceedingly difficult 

 to flush without the assistance of dogs. It roosts on the 

 ground, and utters a shrill but not unpleasant call-note 

 in the early morning, and also towards evening. It 

 feeds on small bulbous roots, seeds, berries, and insects ; 

 its flesh is very good. 



The iris is reddish brown ; the bill dark horn-colour ; 

 the angle of the mouth lemon-colour, which is also the 

 colour of the tarsus. 



